subdivision regulations

By BETH LAKEY

Staff Writer

The topic of subdivision regulations for Pike County has been one that has been discussed by officials lately and is being looking into by the Pike County Commission.

When the commission meets again on Dec. 11, the topic will again be brought into the public arena.

Thursday night, the commission met during a rescheduled meeting and the issue arose again due to a request by Greg Avant.

Avant is proposing a subdivision with the streets being maintained by the developer. Then at the time of 80 percent sell off, the developer will either keep up the maintenance or turn it over to the Home Owners Association.

"We don’t want the county to take over," Avant said of having the county keep up road maintenance.

During the commission’s work session was when Avant approached the commission about his proposal.

County engineer Herb Huner said the county’s current subdivision regulations do not allow for private streets and a request regarding that matter has been turned down in the past.

Efforts are being made to make changes in the county’s regulations, but they have not been finalized.

Huner asked Avant to put his request in writing so it can be reviewed by county officials, including the attorney.

Avant tried to assure the commission he has "no desire to put in something we wouldn’t be proud of" in the proposed Mossy Oak Plantation subdivision.

Huner also reported on the Dec. 22 deadline for county’s to submit priority lists for bridge work that will be funded through the passage of Amendment 1.

During it’s regular meeting, the commission:

· Elected Willie Thomas as chairman and Karen Berry as vice chairman. The first written ballots cast resulted in Charlie Harris and Berry each receiving two votes apiece and outgoing chairman Larry Meeks abstaining from the vote. Ray Goodson was absent from the meeting. A second ballot vote taken at the end of the meeting resulted in Thomas receiving three votes, Harris receiving one and Meeks again abstaining.

· Set the county holidays. Employees will get off at noon Dec. 22 and return Dec. 27 and will be off Jan. 1.

· Granted permission to take bids on a new roof for the Pike County Extension Office.

· Approved a request from Park Memorial United Methodist Church to sublease the modular unit used as a voting location.

· Tabled a request to take bids or roll over the janitorial contract for the Pike County Board of Education, Extension Service and juvenile. The contract will be up at the end of December. County Administrator Steve Hicks was asked to talk with the different departments’ officials and get their input as to whether or not the county should continue current services.

· Was asked by Hicks to give him any matters that need legislative action soon so they can be ready for the Legislative Session that begins in February.

· Tabled discussion of funding considerations for the Pike County Jail.